Baseball swing training bat and swing training method

ABSTRACT

A swing training bat and accompanying method, the bat having a close-ended uniform cylindrical body with a hollow chamber containing a fluid weight therein. The fluid weight is sufficient in mass and volume, yet sufficiently low in viscosity, to allow the fluid weight to slide within the core and thereby generate tactile, kinesthetic, and acoustic feedback cues to the user upon user-initiated and user-performed swinging motions of the bat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/635,683, filed on Feb. 27, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fluid-weighted practice stick, or bat, for training correct swinging posture and swing mechanics for baseball, softball, golf, and other players.

BACKGROUND

Developing swing and hitting mechanics in all levels of hitters, for both baseball and softball, as well as golf and other swinging sports, is a challenging task. Most mechanical development comes from coaching and player drills that are shared among the coaching community. This includes jargon common to batting coaches, for example, “stance, stride, swing,” as well as drills, such as high tee or low tee exercises, meant to correct certain swing inefficiencies and issues with batting efficacy. With most coaching and conventional drills, there is still often the lack of effective feedback loops to the hitter to indicate and verify to the hitter whether a swing was executed correctly. The hitter typically only gains what they can see from the results (e.g., a hit) and by what they may feel through the body. This is especially true without a coach or other person present to provide additional visual swing feedback.

It is partially due to this lack of available feedback that explains the demand for hitting coaches who can be the “eyes” of the hitter, as well as the demand in the consumer market for technological products that offer to afford a hitter the ability to see aspects and details of their swing that they currently cannot.

Many current products have been designed to allow the hitter to feel certain qualities of the swing, yet none have directly addressed the need for establishing correct bat path through the swing. A common current training technique is the use of bats with varying weights; for example, overload/underload bats. Many major bat companies and other baseball equipment companies sell such weighted training bats wherein the weight, or load, is fixed within the barrel of the bat. The nature of a fixed weight in a fixed position within the bat barrel can impose training challenges for less strong or less advanced hitters, as the heavy mass away from the batter's hands can be difficult to control early in the swing process. This may lead to difficulties in learning proper swing mechanics, and may additionally lead to possible injury.

Another common product on the market is an on-deck trainer. These include “donuts” sold by various bat companies and are seen at all levels of play. Donuts are the toroid-shaped weights that slide over the handle and affix up at a point along the length of the barrel, and are secured by friction along the bat barrel length. A common problem with donuts can be difficulty getting them to slide back off of the barrel after multiple warm-up swings (as the centripetal forces of the swings often push the donut distally and more securely along the bat length). This can be disruptive for the batter's efforts and concentration, and may lead to damage to the bat, as the bat handle is typically forcibly slammed against the ground to dislodge the stuck donut tool.

Another contemporary on-deck trainer is the Schutt Dirx Warm Up bat. This training bat is adjustable and provides a weight that may be screwed closer or farther from the bat grip. This allows the hitter to feel more or less weight in the swing and allows the trainer to be used by a team of players with varying individual levels of strength. These, along with the donut on-deck trainers, lack the capacity, however, to provide true kinesthetic feedback of the feel of the correct bat path as the hitter rotates and moves through the swing.

The Zepp 3D Swing Analyzer affixes to the knob of the bat and provides the hitter with swing data, including bat speed, barrel acceleration, and a rudimentary GIF display of the swing path of the bat. Current technology, such as the Zepp Swing Analyzer and video review, feature efforts to visualize, expose, and enhance the path of the batter's swing. However, even these products lack the capacity to provide real-time kinesthetic and acoustic feedback as to whether the swing has followed the correct bat path and allow the hitter to recognize the kinesthetic feel of proper swing mechanics. Further, such equipment is often costly, which prevents widespread use. Therefore, there is a need for a hitter to be able to effectively train and receive instant feedback, both feel and acoustic, for their swing. The present invention seeks to solve these, and other, problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, the swing training bat comprises a hollow, cylindrical housing, uniform in diameter throughout the length of the housing. The cylindrical housing comprises a handle end and a barrel end. The handle end is distinguished by an added grip to be held by the user, and also lacks fluid weights. The barrel end commences at the end of the handle portion and is uniform in diameter. The barrel end may feature brand decals or other markings or graphics. The hollow housing is sealed and self-contained, forming a chamber. The chamber comprises a fluid weight within that occupies not less than twenty percent of the chamber volume and not more than eighty percent of the chamber volume. This fluid weight is sufficient in mass and volume to provide tactile, kinesthetic, and acoustic feedback cues upon user-initiated and user-coordinated motion, including swinging motion about the vertical axis of the user, such as to perform suitably as a swing training feedback tool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings. The figures are illustrative of invention functionality and are not necessarily to actual scale.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a swing training bat;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the swing training bat;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the swing training bat;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the swing training bat;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the swing training bat;

FIG. 6 illustrates the swing training bat in use;

FIG. 7 is a cross-section along the lines 7-7 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the swing training bat;

FIG. 9 is a detailed side perspective view of a hollow member of the swing training bat; and

FIG. 10 is a detailed view illustrating the hollow chamber and various components of the swing training bat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As discussed above, there is a present need and demand for simplicity and simple tools in training baseball and softball players how to properly swing a bat. While a “bat” is used as an example herein, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not so limited, and that a variety of sporting instruments are contemplated herein, such as golf, tennis, or other sports where an instrument is swung by a player. The present invention has many applications, including working as a simple, yet reliable and effective, on-deck swing trainer and as a weighted bat trainer for teaching proper swing technique.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIGS. 1-9 the swing training bat 100 comprises a hollow, cylindrical body 102, uniform in diameter throughout the length of the training bat 100, having first end 104 and 106. The training bat 100 comprises a handle end 108 and a barrel end 110. The handle end 108 is distinguished by an added grip 112 to be held by the user. The barrel end 110 commences where the handle 108 ends and is uniform in diameter. The barrel end 110 may feature brand decals, markings, or other visual information, including graphics. The hollow body 102 is sealed and self-contained, forming a chamber 114 (best seen in FIGS. 7 & 9; 218 in FIG. 10). The chamber contains a fluid weight (220 in FIG. 10) within the chamber 114. In one embodiment, the fluid weight occupies not less than twenty percent of the chamber 114 volume. In one embodiment, the fluid weight occupies not more than eighty percent of the chamber 114 volume. This fluid weight is of suitable nature and sufficient in mass and volume (and sufficiently low in viscosity) to provide tactile, kinesthetic, and acoustic (e.g., “whooshing” sound) feedback cues upon user-initiated and user-coordinated motion. Such motions including swinging motions of the training bat 100 about the vertical axis of the user, such as to allow the training bat 100 to perform suitably as a swing training feedback tool. The term “fluid” should not be restricted to be a liquid, but may be any fluid, such as, but not limited to, water, sand, viscous gels, metals, or other free-flowing substances. In one embodiment, the fluid weight comprises zinc shot. In one embodiment, the zinc shot BBs (zinc spheres) are in a range of 0.171 inches to 0.30 inches in diameter. The diameter is selected upon the size and diameter of the chamber 114. A larger size BB may not flow accurately or may be subject to clogging within the chamber. Accordingly, in one example, test results performed favorably for a BB sized 0.22 inches in diameter.

As shown in FIG. 6, when a user holds the training bat 100, the fluid is weighted on, or near, the handle end 108. As the user swings the training bat 100 properly, the fluid (e.g., zinc shot) rapidly moves from the handle (the first position), to a second position, namely, the barrel end 110. The user not only feels the fluid weight move from the handle end 108 to the barrel end 110, but the fluid weight creates an acoustic sound within the chamber 114, allowing instant feedback to the batter. In other words, when a swing is not executed properly, the fluid weight will not move in unison and timely to contact the second end, and will fail to make the “whooshing” sound, letting the batter know that the swing was incorrect.

FIG. 10 illustrates a swing training bat 200. The training bat 200 comprises a hollow cylinder body 202. The cylinder body 202 has a first end 204 and a second end 206. The cylinder body 202 comprises a handle end 208 and a barrel end 210. As shown, the hollow cylinder 202 may further comprise a fist stopper 214 and a second stopper 216. The stoppers 214, 216 form a chamber 218 that contains the fluid weight 220. The stoppers 214, 216 prevent the fluid weights from exiting the hollow cylinder 202. The stoppers may comprise rubber, plastic, cork, or other material. Further, the stoppers may be secured using adhesive. In one embodiment, end caps 222, 224 may further secure the hollow cylinder 202. In one embodiment, at least one stopper 214, 216 is removably attachable (e.g., threaded) so as to allow a user to remove and replace the fluid weight 220 according to the user's desires. For example, the stopper 216 may have a threaded end and function as the end cap for the hollow cylinder 202 at the second end 206.

In one embodiment, the first stopper 214 is placed about eight inches from the first end 204. This may, or may not, correlate to the ending position of the handle/grip for the user. This placement of the first stopper 214 helps achieve balance and feel. The training bat 200 is designed to be an overload swing trainer requiring more mass than what traditional baseball bats weigh. Without this intermediate placement of the first stopper 214, the fluid weights 220 would slide from end 204 to end 206. However, this is often undesirable and/or not achievable with heavy mass. Generally, professional hitters have swing times of 0.12-0.15 seconds. Therefore, a chamber 218 too long or too short would be ineffective. In one example, after testing, it was found that about eight inches from the first end 204 was favorable. Accordingly, a player swinging a thirty-six-inch training bat 200 has to move the weight only twenty-eight inches, while a player swinging a forty-two-inch training bat 200 has to move the fluid weight thirty-four inches. Greater length and increased weight require more rotational forces to barrel load the training bat 200, creating an overload trainer. A player with swing times of 0.12-0.15 seconds should have the proper strength and swing mechanics to swing a forty-two-inch training bat 200 and shorter.

In one embodiment, the training bat 200 may comprise a knob (not shown) at a first end 204, similar to a baseball bat. This may aid in preventing the training bat 200 from slipping from a user's grip during use. However, the knob is not required; early testing illustrated that the knob unbalanced the training bat 200 and offset the feel of the training bat 200. Accordingly, some embodiments comprise a knob while others do not.

The swing training bat may be comprised of wood, wood composite, aluminum, steel, bamboo, polyvinyl chloride, carbon fibers, plastics, or other suitable materials. One particular embodiment comprises a plastic wiffle ball bat geared for younger players.

Embodiments of the invention include swing training bats of uniform outer diameter along the length of the bat, wherein the outer diameter of bats may come in assorted sizes, suitable and adequately sized to be comfortably gripped by children, youth, adult women or adult men, dependent on and reflecting the needs of the particular user, respectively. Embodiments of the invention also include swing training bats featuring assorted barrel lengths that are proportionate to comparable softball and baseball bats for children, youth, adult women or adult men athletes, dependent on and reflecting the needs of the particular user, respectively. Other embodiments of the invention include swing training bats that feature barrel lengths that are disproportionately long or disproportionately short relative to comparable standard baseball or softball bats, dependent on the specialized training objectives of the user player or coach.

One embodiment of the swing training bat features attendant electronic sensor, transmission, and recording features that allow collection and communication of data on such measures as bat speed, barrel acceleration, swing movement, and swing time or duration. Another embodiment of the swing training bat includes an LED lighting system along the exterior surfaces of the bat body and may light up along the barrel in conjunction with the swing movement of the bat, thus providing an added form of visual feedback to the user.

One embodiment of the fluid weight within the swing training bat comprises water, yet other fluid weight materials may be used, including aqueous solutions, miscible mixtures, immiscible mixtures, or heterogeneous colloids or suspensions. For example, propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol may be added as part of an aqueous solution for the fluid weight, with the purpose of lowering the freezing point of the fluid weight. Appropriate fluid weight compositions may be preferred and chosen based on qualities such as the kinesthetic feedback or acoustic cue feedback generated through the swing trainer bat due to the characteristics of the inner fluid composition. As the hollow chamber of the bat is preferably a closed, sealed system, the fluid weight is preferably not subject to evaporation or spillage; nonetheless, embodiments are comprised of substantially inert, non-toxic, non-flammable, substantially pH neutral, non-staining fluids. Further, as described above, other non-liquid substances that are capable of fluid movement, such as sands, beads, metals or other substances may be used.

When introducing the swing training bat to a student hitter, a preferred method includes a first step of holding the bat directly in the center of the stick. Lifting the barrel end vertically toward the sky, gravity acts on the fluid weight and pulls it into, or proximal to, the handle end of the bat. A hitter user will be able to both hear and feel this shift in weight, and as the hitter then levels the bat parallel to the ground, the fluid weight then equally distributes within the length of the hollow chamber. Grabbing the swing training bat with both hands at the handle end, the hitter would engage in a correct pre-swing posture and the fluid weight within the bat would slide into, or proximal to, the handle end, if not already there. As the hitter swings, the barrel end of the swing training bat lowers and accelerates forward, whereupon the fluid weight transitions from handle end to barrel end due to centripetal forces acting upon the fluid weight. This fluid weight transition is heard and felt by the hitter. Upon completion of the swing, with the fluid weight in the barrel end, the hitter then resumes pre-swing posture and can feel the fluid weight return to the handle end of the bat. When the weight returns to the handle end, this serves as a cue to the hitter that they may initiate another swing. Through repeated practice, the swing training bat can thus facilitate the hitter learning, observing, fine-tuning, and reinforcing proper pre-swing posture and swing mechanics, including optimal swing feel kinesthetics. Further, the swing training bat may also be used in connection with hitting/striking a ball as well. It will be appreciated that while baseball bats were used as examples throughout, the invention is not so limited. Accordingly, the swing training bat may also be a swing training club for golf, or otherwise adapted to other sports without departing herefrom.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A swing training bat, comprising: a hollow cylindrical body; a handle portion at a first end of the hollow cylindrical body; and a fluid weight within the hollow cylindrical body.
 2. The swing training bat of claim 1, further comprising a stopper positioned in the hollow body at the top of the handle portion.
 3. The swing training bat of claim 1, further comprising a stopper positioned eight inches from the first end.
 4. The swing training bat of claim 1, wherein the fluid weight comprises zinc shot.
 5. The swing training bat of claim 4, wherein the average size of the zinc shot is 0.22 inches in diameter.
 6. The swing training bat of claim 1, wherein the hollow cylindrical body comprises aluminum.
 7. A swing training bat, comprising: a hollow cylindrical body; a first stopper and a second stopper within the hollow cylindrical body forming a chamber; a plurality of zinc shot BBs occupying 20% to 80% of the chamber; and a handle portion at a first end of the hollow cylindrical body.
 8. The swing training bat of claim 7, wherein the first stopper is positioned at the top of the handle portion.
 9. A method of using a swing training bat to improve swinging, the method comprising: grabbing the swing training bat with both hands at the handle end, assuming a pre-swing posture; swinging the swing training bat; wherein the swing training bat comprises a fluid weight within the swing training bat; and noting the sound and kinesthetic feedback. 